The Chilian Revolt

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 27, 1 September 1891, Page 2

The Chilian Revolt

VICTORY OF THE * INSURGENTS/ THE GOVENMENT ARMY ANNIHILATED.

(per united puess association.) Valpabaiso, August 28. At daylight to-day President Balmaceda's troops, who occupied Pacilla, were ordered to make an attack on the insurgents. The Government troops were led by Generals Darbosa and Alzerrica. -.-. The. insurgents, with their Manlicher rifles and smokeless powder, poured a destructive fire into the ranks of the Loyalists. The latter were unable to face the terrible onslaught by shell and shot, also from rifles, and broke and retired. They, however, re-formed, and another attack was made, in . which the Government troop's advanced at the double. While adyancing General Darbosa was . killed, and his loss caused the troops to falter, the disorder being increased as General Alzerrica fell. This second loss on the part of the Loyalists ge ye heart to the insurgents, who made a gallant charge, before which the Loyalists fled with great loss of their officers. The cavalry endeavoured to stand the charge, but were shot down and practically destroyed. At this stage several regiments, . chiefly impressed, -joined the insurgents; The fighting lasted for five hours. Five thousand were killed or wounded. - The defeat of the Government troops was absolute. The fire of the 'insurgents was awful, and most of Balmacefo's offi-; cers perished in the battle. The foreign squadron landed troops to preserve order, and prevent the Loyalists, and mob irqm .the city. It is belieyed that President Balinaceda , has gone overland |o Buenos Ayres. ' The populac^iSyimpathise with the revolution. ' ;^;§*t It is believed that the war is over. Nearly all the staff of the Government troops are killed or wounded. August 30. . It is believed that Balmaceda's forces are concentrating at Santiago.' It is reported that the President, before leaving for Buenos Ayres, shot sixty of the insurgents held as hostages.